Survey: H1N1 concerns will change holiday plans

STURTEVANT, WI — A recent survey commissioned by JohnsonDiversey Inc. found that nearly half of the adults in the United States intend to change their holiday plans due to the risk of being exposed to the H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) virus, according to a press release.

According to the release, the survey, conducted by Harris Interactive® between November 20 and November 23, 2009, asked a random sample of 1,002 adults how concerns over H1N1 would affect their holiday plans.

Some results of the survey include that: 10 percent of adults with children in their household will not allow their child to visit Santa Claus; 23 percent of adults will require guests to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer upon arrival this holiday season; 21 percent of adults will limit travel to destinations to which they can drive, avoiding air travel; 17 percent will avoid using mass transportation; and 10 percent will limit the number of guests they invite to their home

, the release stated.

JohnsonDiversey President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ed Lonergan said: "This survey confirms that H1N1 is fundamentally altering the way people live their lives, even during the holidays. But, as we prepare to celebrate the holidays, people should be aware that retailers and managers of other public facilities are taking unprecedented actions to improve facility hygiene and slow the spread of the virus."

The most concerned adults, according to the survey, are seniors 65 years of age or older, with 38 percent expressing concern about H1N1 during the holidays, compared to 26 percent of adults ages 35-64, the release noted.

For more detailed survey results and the latest information regarding H1N1 and other infectious disease prevention, visit www.outbreakcontrol.com, the release added.

JohnsonDiversey Vice President and infection control expert Dr. Jose Ramirez said: "Proper health and hygiene precautions should provide more peace of mind to holiday celebrations. Facility managers are also taking steps to provide more hygienic indoor environments through effective cleaning and use of leading-edge disinfection products with accelerated kill times against infectious diseases such as H1N1, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and norovirus."